James Crandall
Pensacola,FL
Summary
At GCLS, Inc., Honed expertise in cost estimation and team collaboration, delivering accurate construction estimates and fostering strong supplier relationships. Using a proactive approach and adaptability led to consistently meeting or exceeding target profit margins, enhancing client satisfaction and trust through transparent and detailed cost breakdowns. Professional with a background in cost estimation and project management, offering valuable experience in accurate budgeting and resource allocation. Consistently contributes to team success through reliable communication and adaptability to changing project requirements. Known for analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective collaboration. Results-oriented achiever with proven ability to exceed targets and drive success in fast-paced environments. Combines strategic thinking with hands-on experience to deliver impactful solutions and enhance organizational performance.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Insurance Claims Specialist
GCLS, Inc.
01.2010 - Current
- Field AND “Desk” Activities completed in all categories.
Most estimates are within + or – 5% of the actual cost of completion. - Worked with claims adjusters and examiners to expedite processing in alignment with procedures.
- Strengthened client relationships by providing clear communication throughout the claims process, ensuring all parties were well-informed of progress and outcomes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently managing insurance claims processes and providing timely resolutions.
- Maintained compliance with industry regulations and standards by staying current on relevant laws, policies, and best practices for handling insurance claims.
- Evaluated and settled complex insurance claims in strict timeframes.
- Maximized client retention by addressing concerns promptly and professionally, consistently demonstrating empathy and understanding during difficult situations.
- Expedited claim resolutions through effective negotiation with clients, adjusters, and other stakeholders involved in the process.
- Followed up with customers on unresolved issues.
- Boosted company reputation by delivering exceptional customer service during claim investigations and settlements.
- Upheld a high level of accuracy by consistently double-checking figures, data entries, calculations, before finalizing any settlement documents or payments.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between departments during claim handoff processes to ensure seamless coordination among internal teams for prompt resolution times.
- Increased productivity by streamlining claim processing procedures and implementing time-saving technologies.
- Safeguarded company interests by diligently identifying potential subrogation opportunities to recover costs from responsible third parties when applicable.
- Developed a strong knowledge of various insurance products to provide comprehensive guidance during the claims process for diverse clientele.
- Sharpened professional expertise through continuous learning opportunities such as attending workshops, conferences, and pursuing industry certifications related to insurance claims management.
- Achieved significant reductions in processing time, implementing streamlined procedures for claim documentation and verification.
- Enhanced team productivity by introducing automated tools for routine claim processing tasks.
- Negotiated settlements effectively, ensuring fair outcomes for both insurance company and claimants.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing timely and empathetic responses to inquiries and concerns about claim statuses.
- Minimized financial losses by identifying and addressing fraudulent claims through rigorous investigation and analysis.
- Streamlined communication with policyholders to clarify claim procedures and requirements, enhancing overall transparency.
- Facilitated inter-departmental collaboration to address and resolve claim disputes, leading to smoother operational flow.
- Coordinated with external adjusters and experts to obtain accurate assessments for specialized claims.
- Fostered positive relationships with policyholders through consistent follow-up and updates on claim progress.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes, ensuring compliance in all claim handling procedures.
- Reduced claim cycle times to improve customer experience, leveraging advanced claim processing software.
- Expedited claim resolutions by adopting proactive approach to gathering necessary documentation and evidence.
- Guided policyholders through claim submission process, simplifying it to minimize errors and delays.
- Generated, posted and attached information to claim files.
- Carried out administrative tasks by communicating with clients, distributing mail, and scanning documents.
Professional Estimator
GCLS, Inc.
03.2018 - Current
- Most estimates are within + or – 5% of the actual cost of completion.
- Established a reputation for delivering reliable and accurate estimates, resulting in increased client trust and repeat business opportunities.
- Gathered cost and material data for accurate and up-to-date information on material and labor costs.
- Calculated labor hours accurately based on trade-specific productivity rates, leading to more realistic project timelines and work plans.
- Participated in pre-bid meetings and site visits to understand project scope and identify potential issues or challenges.
- Prepared material orders to complete projects on time and within budget.
- Presented comprehensive bid proposals to clients, showcasing a clear understanding of their requirements and expectations.
- Continuously improved estimating procedures by staying updated on industry trends and attending relevant training courses.
- Analyzed designs and performed accurate cost analysis.
- Increased project accuracy by diligently reviewing specifications, drawings, and other documentation.
- Analyzed and calculated field measurements, survey plans, and plot plans to create proposals and process work orders.
- Assisted in securing high-value contracts by preparing competitive yet profitable bid packages tailored to client needs.
- Conducted thorough site visits to gather essential information for precise estimates, minimizing potential change orders during construction phases.
- Reviewed project plans and specifications to understand project requirements and accurately estimate cost and resources needed.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable prices and terms to lower material costs.
- Reviewed completed projects'' actual costs compared against estimates as part of a continuous improvement process, refining future estimates based on lessons learned.
- Analyzed subcontractor bids for completeness and accuracy, ensuring alignment with project requirements and budgets.
- Tracked project costs and expenses to monitor progress and identify and mitigate deviations from original estimate.
- Identified areas for cost saving to help increase profitability and lower client costs.
- Reviewed and approved invoices and change orders to monitor project expenses and reflect any change to scope in project budget.
- Contributed to company success by consistently meeting or exceeding target profit margins on awarded projects.
- Analyzed buildings to prepare estimates for [Type] work.
- Maintained an extensive database of unit costs, enabling quick reference during the estimation process for increased efficiency.
- Identified areas of risk during preconstruction phase, recommending appropriate mitigation strategies to prevent costly delays or changes later on in projects.
- Ensured compliance with industry standards and regulations in all estimates, mitigating legal and financial risks for company.
- Played key role in project planning meetings, offering insights into cost implications of design choices.
- Reduced material costs without compromising quality by negotiating better terms with suppliers, leveraging bulk purchase discounts.
- Optimized resource allocation for projects, ensuring efficient use of manpower and materials.
- Streamlined bidding process, enabling team to respond to RFPs more efficiently and increase bid submission rates.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with vendors and subcontractors, ensuring timely delivery of materials and services.
- Improved client satisfaction with detailed and transparent cost breakdowns, establishing trust and facilitating smoother project negotiations.
- Stayed current with industry regulations and standards to produce cost estimates in compliance with all relevant laws.
- Analyzed plans and specifications to identify scope and cost of projects.
- Provided accurate estimates by defining scope, timelines, potential setbacks, and limitations.
- Utilized cost-estimating software to streamline estimating processes and produce accurate and reliable estimates.
- Monitored project progress to identify and address changes in project scope or budget.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers and vendors, securing best pricing for materials, labor and equipment.
- Reviewed and approved invoices and payments, verifying accuracy of expenses.
- Evaluated subcontractor bids to obtain best value for projects.
- Researched construction cost trends to stay up-to-date with industry developments and changes.
- Developed and maintained database of cost information to use most up-to-date and relevant data in estimates.
- Delivered consulting services to advise clients on cost-saving strategies and best practices.
Consrtruction Estimator
GCLS, Inc.
01.2000 - 10.2018
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Arts
University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL05.1992
Skills
- Estimate Preparation
- Commercial construction experience
- Scope development
- Blueprint Analysis
- Xactware, Symbility, and RS Means expertise
Accomplishments
Field AND “Desk” Activities completed as a claims adjuster.
Most estimates are within + or – 5% of the actual cost of completion.
Experience with:
1. Wind
2. Settlement
3. Flood
4. Non-Weather Water
5. Commercial
6. Ordinance & Law
7. Fire
8. Non-Weather Water
9. Large Loss and Complex
10. Personal Property
11. Adjusted Living Expenses
12. Ordinance & Law
$0 to $1M
15+ Years
13. Construction Defect
14. Commercial
$100K to over $1.5M
6+ Years
15. Flood
$300K to over $500K
5+ Years
Certification
- Licensed ACA - [Accredited Claims Adjuster]
Timeline
Professional Estimator
GCLS, Inc.
03.2018 - Current
Insurance Claims Specialist
GCLS, Inc.
01.2010 - Current
Consrtruction Estimator
GCLS, Inc.
01.2000 - 10.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Arts
University of West Florida